How quickly Mother Nature acts — even on pressure-treated wood! Despite a work-day just last spring, footing on the trail at Old Pascommuck Conservation Area had become treacherous once again. But with some chilly repairs, all the bridges are solid.

So please go enjoy the beautiful late fall colors. They may be more subtle, but you’ll see sights which are invisible in the riot of summer vegetation. Not least of which is the immaculate grooming at the East Street trail head, thanks to the indefatigable master landscaper, John Bator.

-Contributed by Gerrit Stover

On October 17th John Bator sent a letter to the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEEA) urging the Patrick Administration to abandon plans for wind turbines being placed on the mountain. The letter cites the historical significance of the mountain as well as the scenic and natural assets. A copy of the letter sent can be viewed here.

On September 30th Doug Wheat, Board Member, led a walk through the Pomeroy Meadows expansion area.  The hike took us though old growth trees, some of which were marked previously to be cut down for lumber. We also hiked along a ridge carved by glaciers as well as overgrown meadows. During the tour we came upon a squatter’s shelter made of tied up branches as well as a deer stand. A parking area and hiking trails are planned for this property.

On October 5th, board PCT board members held “Open Space” and website signs on the Easthampton rotary from 12 to 2 pm trying to raise awareness of our fundraising campaign so that the people of Easthampton will support the notion of having a quiet place to go to contemplate Nature or to bring their children to introduce them to the joys of being “in the woods”. People were really responsive, either looking at what the signs said or waving. It was interesting to see such a variety of people out and about on a Saturday afternoon.

The Thursday, September 27th, edition of the Hampshire Gazette featured an article highlighting PCT’s efforts related to the Brickyard Brook expansion and the Pomeroy Meadow land purchase. Doug Wheat, board member, discussed plans for the properties as well as current fundraising efforts.